Ruth 3:18 records a very high
estimation of the Boaz's character. I
can't quite express the emotion that this verse stirs up in me. Read it. In the
context of Ruth asking Boaz to marry her, Naomi said, "Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will fall:
for the man will not be in rest, until he has finished the thing this
day." This is a good time to
bring the typology of this book into our study.
Commonly, and I believe correctly, it is taught that Boaz foreshadows
Christ. As the "kinsman redeemer"
of Ruth, he had the heart, position and power to do exactly what needed to be
done in order for her to be a fruitful and honored mother in Israel. And, when
he saw his opportunity to step in and help, he did indeed act in accordance
with Naomi's judgment of him. He was very diligent and pushed urgently for the
transaction to be made; for Naomi's land to be purchased and Ruth's hand to be
had. It reflects the attitude of the Son of God in the story of our redemption.
There are 2 other meaningful
symbolic sections in this chapter. First,
Ruth's willingness to ask for Boaz to accept her is telling. Let us always
remember that there is no automaticity when it comes to our salvation. "Whosoever WILL, let him take the water
of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). Boaz had the power and the
wealth... but Ruth had the freedom to ask him to take her. Second, Ruth 3:12 says that there was another
kinsman that had "first dibs" on Ruth. The other kinsman represents
the The Law of Moses, which is weak in that it can't do for us what we need. Only
our Boaz is willing and able to purchase our redemption. Jesus is our Boaz.
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